Cloning Vintage Knobs

Using black casting resin, I replicated a vintage knob to replace a missing one for a recent gadget purchase. And while I was at it, I made a mold of some other antique knobs for future projects.
PATREON EXCLUSIVES
If you'd like to help support my channel and get access to exclusive content, visit / wesleytreat .
FOLLOW ME
▶ Instagram: / wesley_treat
▶ Twitter: / wesleytreat
▶ Amazon: amazon.com/sho...
▶ Etsy: satelluxestudi...
TOOLS & MATERIALS FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO
▶ Smooth-On Mold Star 15 Slow Silicone Mold Rubber (Trial Unit): amzn.to/2T6zu8J
▶ Smooth-On Smooth Cast Onyx Fast Black Casting Resin (Trial Unit): amzn.to/2MlTCRC
▶ Mann Ease Release 200 Mold Release Spray: amzn.to/2IdzJwV
▶ FastCap 2P-10 CA Glue (Medium Viscosity): amzn.to/2FGf9D3
▶ General Tools Automatic Center Punch: amzn.to/2htnN9B
FAQs
▶ Why didn't I degas the silicone? Mold Star is a low-viscosity silicone that doesn't require degassing. I've never had a problem with bubbles when using it. Any bubbles find their way to the top where I have fun popping them, though they generally pop themselves.
▶ Why didn't I just 3D print the knobs? Even if I had a 3D printer, which I don't, I still would have molded the originals because I wanted identical copies (wear and all), not facsimiles with lines in them that I'd have to spend a bunch of time sanding and refinishing.
▶ Why didn't I make a two-part mold? I covered that at 3:54. You must have skipped ahead. Also, it isn't a matter of just flipping the mold and pouring silicone on the other side. You also have to consider the sprues necessary to allow pouring the resin into the resulting mold. And because the knobs are oddly shaped, you may also have to add sprues for venting undercuts so air doesn't get trapped. Then, after demolding, you have to cut off the resulting sprues, file down the flashing and polish them out to get the surface finish back. And, really, there's not much surface area on any of the knobs to accommodate decently sized sprues to begin with. In the end, it's easier just to use a simple, one-sided block mold and drill holes in the bottoms of the knobs.
OTHER NOTES
▶ For more information on how to create molds, check out some of Smooth-On's tutorials at www.smooth-on..... They cover more detail than I did here.
▶ I actually used the slow-curing version of Smooth-On's Onyx resin in this video, but it doesn't appear to be available on Amazon, so I linked to the fast version above. You can find the slow version at www.smooth-on..... Either will work for this purpose. They just have different working times.
SEE ALSO
▶ Tim Sway: / timsway
▶ • Sigmund The Sea Monste...

[@danielrodriguez950]

Not sure why this was in my recommended but I'm not complaining

[@ilovebeinagirl]

Me either and me either.

[@AalbertTorsius]

Not complaining, just subscribing. Must've been that restoration of an old oil dispenser and a car jack I watched. *Edit* The first one was this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGbVaZJtbt1mkJI and the second one was on the same channel.

[@andrewrobotbuilder]

I absolutely love how the silicon picks up the tiny surface scratches and makes the new part look just as worn as the originals - a matching set!

[@MrBriankerri]

5:41

[@MrBriankerri]

Need to make a vintage lawnmower gear shift handle. I’m going to try this method .

[@SaitoGray]

I was that smug ass who thought he could tell which one it was and i was so wrong. That really freaking cool, i need to learn how to cast thing, that seem fun.

[@blingblong1]

you can tell? no you cant.

[@BigHeretic]

*SaitoGray* I could tell that it was the one underneath ! - no I couldn't, I'm just an ass.

[@michaelkessler3813]

i was wondering why the one underneath had a less scratchy look to it

[@Jsjeuducjejwjsif]

@@michaelkessler3813 no you weren't

[@michaelkessler3813]

Your Grandma oh you false mind readers

[@riteandleft]

Excellent informative video with a great sense of humour too. Top bloke!

[@RuneTheFirst]

The spring-loaded knob for D-shaft controls was a popular design in the 30s and 40s. Just about every manufacturer used them, especially RCA. The design was for Bakelite because of its unique properties. It would not do well with setscrews unless the threaded element was a metal insert. It just stripped too easily. But it was quite stable otherwise. Hence the design. It would hold well. Manufacturers had to change designs after the switch to injection-molded plastic. If put under the stress of a spring for long terms they tended to crack or split. So they had to be re-designed. Some used sheet steel inserts that contained their own spring pressure. Setscrews made a comeback (they had been used on the wooden knobs of the 20s with threaded inserts.) Thanks for showing an easy way to copy these things. Many don't know this can be done.

[@Rompler_Rocco]

Wesley Treat, sir, you are exactly what makes KZbin so damn cool.

[@GeekDetour]

I have no idea how I ended up watching this... BUT I LOVED IT! Awesome :)

[@1950cappie]

I collect old test equiptment, radios, gadgets etc... Now I've collected your much needed subscription. Thanks for having me aboard!

[@Dardrum]

I usually never get impressed, but I am very impressed, nice work Wesley

[@lockbreaker7961]

It’s rare to see a man who likes working with knobs that much!

[@TheMeta6]

Wesley you teach me so many useful techniques that I'll never use.... thank you!

[@gazookerman1328]

That must be a really satisfying to push that new knob down on that old shaft and find that something you just made fits perfectly...Great video!

[@Pillowcase]

that turned out way better than i would have expected.

[@LilMissMurder3409]

Finally, a DIY KZbinr with clean, manicured nails! IT'S A MIRACLE!

[@iamaioshi]

Excellent video! ive been tired of the same old maker videos, with the music and the editing always the similar. You get a nice a up close feel, with no music, and you are genuine with your commentary! Love it! Also I too am a fan of old electronics and especially knobs

[@curtisowens6413]

What he said^^^^^

[@michael931]

Yeah, the restoration videos are the worst. No narration, fast forward, lots of rapid hammer tapping and wire brushing.. Only thing worse is the robot narrator videos.

[@BluntlyBlunt_]

Facts. 💯

[@johnlake6321]

Fantastic!!! I dabble in ancient electronics too. Now I know how to deal with missing knobs...so long as I have a sample.

[@kencohagen4967]

My father in law made several knobs for antique radios. This is one good method. He also built his own injection molding machine. He machined his own does, and made an injector out of a screw type hydraulic ram from an air stair from an aircraft wrecking yard. He also cast knobs like these. Cool stuff!

[@JohnSmith-eo5sp]

Something about the design of these knob-heads makes me think they are of German manufacture. When was this Tube-Tester built?

[@InformationIsTheEdge]

The process was cool but the presentation was a LOT cooler! Thanks for making that so fun!

[@____________________________.x]

I was going to suggest adding a layer of polish first, but looking at the result I reckon they look better with the scratches being reproduced. I hope you'll stick some of these on eBay, I'm sure some people would love a retro knob for their builds.

[@briankays2635]

Quite possibly the greatest KZbin video I've ever watched. I stopped to think for a few seconds to make sure that statement was correct but, yeah, greatest KZbin video I've ever seen. And I've seen a bunch.

[@smoothon]

Great video! Those look fantastic!

[@yvestorquest5760]

It;s always a pleasure to watch a craftsmen work.

[@CamTarn]

Those knobs are little works of art deco loveliness :)

[@JohnSmith-eo5sp]

Could the the design of these knob-heads be of German manufacture?

[@truckywuckyuwu]

It's amazing that we have the technology to do all these sorts of repairs these days. So easily that almost anyone can do this stuff at home. It's also sad that barely anyone actually repairs and restores things these days. I still have stuff from the 50's that works great with just a few capacitors being replaced. Yet my new computer monitor had glued in LED's that burnt out after 4 months of use and I can't replace them.

[@dfbess]

never seen a video of yours before, I enjoyed more than I thought I would ..thank you. Also I did not skip :)

[@pinkponyofprey1965]

haha yeah, same here! I even subscribed! I might even learn a thing or two plus a good laugh hasn't killed ... that many people ...

[@t0nito]

Same here!

[@PierreaSweedieCat]

Awesome! Thanks for the jokes, singing, learning! And saving that old bit of kit.

[@MIgardener]

This was so cool! I can't believe how exact it looked.

[@glasslinger]

You can stick the knobs down using double sided carpet tape and the silicone won't get under them. Also, thanks for keeping the video ad free! I would get the tube tester working myself!

[@TheRadioShop]

As a vintage collector and restorer myself, I find this video to be excellent! Great job and thanks for showing this. Liked and subscribed.

[@JohnSmith-eo5sp]

3:23 Something about the design of these knob-heads makes me think they are of German manufacture.

[@timsway]

Man that Tim Sway fella is handsome. Great video, btw. Very well put together. Thanks!!

[@GrazMakes]

yeah the guy he circled is very handsome indeed ;-)

[@maxmaxwell1905]

Sigmund and the Sea Monsters? That's so like last century! Great video, another skill I can file away in the dark recesses of my brain for that "just in case I ever need to..." time.

[@karlfimm]

This looks like a perfect job for 3d printing. Not the knobs themselves - those copies are far better than that - but for the knob fixing. Drill out a larger hole in the knob (say 10mm rather than 6mm) and print a small cylindrical part that has whichever complex shaped hole you want. Glue B into A.

[@shanerussell7335]

Karl Fimm or 3D print a post to put into the mold to create the proper hole.

[@xConundrumx]

@@shanerussell7335 ehm ... and how do you get the post out again once the resin has cured :) It won't be like the flexible liquid silicone mold and will totally be 'glued' in there.

[@shanerussell7335]

@@xConundrumx True. A really complicated post would be stuck, but a simple D-shape would come out easily. Put a thin coat of vaseline on it before pouring the epoxy.

[@xConundrumx]

@@shanerussell7335 ah that's a really clever idea! Thanks, should make a note of that. Mind you with the little ridges from the layering you probably want to give it a good sanding too I would guess. So the surface is smooth that is.

[@SavageSmithy]

@@xConundrumx use pva filament and simply soak your cast knob in warm water to dissolve it

[@TheLawrenceWade]

I built myself a 3D printer specifically to make replacements for unobtainable antique radio knobs, but I'll happily print anything that isn't a weapon. Keep our technological history alive! Next up: I am going to 3D print the parts to make a 3D scanner so I can "photocopy" a knob to make a replacement. I love and applaud what you are doing here. If you can figure out where to put a couple of vacuum tubes on a 3D printer, I'm into doing that. It will give a whole new meaning to the phrase "My printer is warming up". :)

[@xoxo-yu1gp]

wesley you are one absolute spiffing chap just found your channel and I'm totally smitten you are an absolute natural

[@wynncull9415]

What a totally informational and entertaining man. I am impressed by his inventiveness.

[@ScottDLR]

You've got a new fan here. Can't wat to binge watch.

[@henryford5151]

Brilliant video making. No crappy music, no lacklustre commentary, you clearly know what you're doing and you love doing it. Brilliant!

[@catsupchutney]

+ 1 for Sigmund the Sea Monster reference.

[@keithjackson1180]

There were probably only a handful of people who understood it.

[@Chiefbobaloo]

I restore older broadcast mixers, this is just what I needed to see. Thanks!

[@forthrightnight]

Your video showed up in the recommended videos after Adam Savage's armor build. Frikkin' amazing!! I had no idea makers took things to this level. Liked and subscribed. Cheers from B.C.

[@missyd0g2]

Some of the old devices have amazing designs.

[@SuperFredAZ]

Very nice. It's hard to believe how nice these parts come out. I was going to comment that you should 3d print the knobs but this technique is much better.

[@jomercer21113]

Those Philcos are some over-engineered knobs! I cast and mold lots of details and knobs for vintage and antique sewing machines and furniture. I love Smooth-On products and their customer/technical service is unsurpassed.

[@bikecopjoe]

Thank you for showing this. I know now how to clone knobs for my vintage RCA radio and record player. You mentioned you had a "collection.' Please take a couple of minutes and show them. I would love to see what you have done and what you have. Again, Thanks.

[@jamesbaldwin9969]

I've got an RCA tombstone radio. It was missing the guts and sitting at the curb in great shape. I snatched it up and put my modern stereo in it. It's so cool.

[@approachableactive]

The nice thing about casting an original is that it also copys its wear and much of its patina.

[@Chef_PC]

Well, thanks for this video. Now I have a new channel subscribed and a host of new videos to watch. Oh, and a hankering to silicon mold anything and everything in my house.

[@AalbertTorsius]

_Everything?_

[@paulanthonyjohns]

this guy is freaking hilarious and an excellent presenter.

[@lomparti]

That is amazing. Im thoroughly impressed!

[@tablatronix]

Gotta love all those hand fabricated enclosures, I also have a collection of vintage gem style indicators

[@Jer_Schmidt]

Awesome video! I'm really impressed with the result!

[@chadseberg]

I love the word "minutia".

[@1thess523]

My son has been wanting vintage knobs for his guitar 🎸, I'm going to show him your video 👍.

[@HandToolRescue]

Awesome! Well done.

[@KennethNicholson1972]

Brilliant reproduction. Love the tester board too. In addition I like that you are nuts, funny, and you are willing to share knobs with your Brothers. You have earned my subscription fella.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Nice work! Always liked retro knobs like that! I need one of them for something, just don't know what yet!

[@pco1984]

It's been fun seeing someone play with a knob.

[@MakeSomething]

Wait a second, that wasn't Tim! 😄 Totally doing this for my guitar restore! Great vid!

[@WesleyTreat]

I think I know what my best friend looks like, David. 😜

[@southtown2366]

First video ive seen from you! MAN I thought I was the only one that had a love for Restoring every nut bolt and knob! THANK YOU!

[@MrRangiku01]

... You, my trollish friend, have just gained a new sub👍😂😂😂

[@jdniedner]

That's Brilliant! I want to change everything with a knob on it to these, volume in the car, diming switches, and so on. I think you're on to something there Wesley!

[@JohnnyRottenest]

I really look forward to WT videos.

[@DTHuey]

You caught me off guard with that Sigmund bit...got quite a chuckle from it. Very nice job with these knobs!

[@AddFilmmedia]

Oh, morse code at the end! ❤ .- - - = wt (nerdy) , old radio operator...

[@WesleyTreat]

You're the first person to notice!

[@RobMacKendrick]

QSL that.

[@mbaker335]

Problem is I thought the T was a bit short. So almost WE. Was it done by hand or with a keyer?

[@AddFilmmedia]

@@mbaker335 Probably translation software, don't you think? QTH? QTH Lund, Sweden.

[@elit3darkness]

Great Video, will never have to buy a replica vintage knob again!

[@DavidPlass]

Surgery on a jellyfish! YMMD, thank you.

[@teenapittman4241]

I started out looking for 3D printed knobs but this video seems the best way. It uses a common sense approach and doesn't make it harder than it has to be. I am restoring a 40's-50'ish stove and one of the knobs was cracked in half and the rest of them have stress cracks and won't take very much use before they crack too. The knobs are odd shaped, thin oval with a point on the side at the off spot. I will try this. I loved HR Pufnstuf and Sigmund. I had a redheaded, witchnosed neighbor whose nickname was Witchiepoo, as an adult in the 90's. Thanks for everything.

[@kanati]

subscribing SOLELY due to the sigmund and the seamonsters references

[@NikonFM2n]

Me too. Damn the 70's were a great time to be a kid.

[@scottpecora371]

The 60's were even better, make a wonder what it was like the previous century, before electricity, cars, airplanes, radio, tv or computers and children had to rely upon their own imagination's. Our medicine and ease of life is no doubt better today, butch think the quality of life, daily living, no processed foods, and the belonging to a community where as a child everyone knew who you were, and who your parents were! We've gained tremendous things, but also lost and given up the same

[@sumnerbrent]

Sigmund song and I'm in too! I love it!

[@NikonFM2n]

The 70s were awesome. I was born in 71. Saturday morning cartoons and pop rocks. Jajajajajajajajajajaja

[@TheWeirdSide1]

Wow that's amazing! Thanks for teaching us knuckleheads something today!

[@MrStrangelymade]

Not something I often ask, but what was you using to clean your knob?

[@WesleyTreat]

Just your run-of-the-mill 409.✨

[@frankintegrity706]

content like this on the tube is the reason I don't watch TV.I will probably never need to cast and replicate vintage electronic equipment knobs.But still enjoyed the skills involved.:)

[@koningbolo4700]

Spraying a bit of rubbing alcohol on the surface pops all the bubbles instantly...

[@Texaca]

This sounds interesting -- what you are saying, coat the surface of the knobs with rubbing alcohol? What does that do?

[@ncdave4life]

​@@Texaca, you didn't watch the video, did you?

[@kuzumisama]

But then you couldn't make the fun popping noise... :(

[@drslump9314]

@@Texaca i think he is talking about the bubbles on the green silicone mold. The ones one the knobs are cool because you are cloning an old one.

[@perprzem]

Positive crazy hobby and very good way to resolve missing knob issue... man... you`re craziest hobbyst that I`ve ever seen... peace man, do what you love

[@CreepyChappy]

You’re funny I subbed

[@wargunnerguy]

+1

[@jerryw2314]

Interesting video, thanks. My brother in law does pretty much the same thing, making knobs and parts. Never watched him work on his projects even though he has been doing it for over 30 years. Again. Thanks for posting this video.

[@timbrown9305]

I just looked up "Sigmond the sea monster" . I was born in 1964 so how did I miss that?

[@jamienoel]

I was born years after you and remember watching it every Saturday morning. Those were the days...

[@davidzigermen3714]

I like this guy's swag already

[@inhabitedbadge]

5:43, like surgery on a grape

[@nothanks7752]

exactly what I was thinking.

[@Droidparty]

That was seriously cool.Great job, I couldn't tell the difference.

[@Traderjoe]

I thought I was the only one who sings Sigmund the sea monster theme song

[@Kara_Kay_Eschel]

I do 'Clutch Cargo'.

[@DavidSmith-er6rv]

Good instruction and very entertaining too. So many videos like these drag on with too much commentary but you mixed the action and narration really well.

[@dnsmithnc]

That kind of knob with the spring metal was common back in the day. I thought it still was. Nice video by the way.

[@jaimeherrera2510]

I can't say nothing, but : Wonderful!!!!

[@markprentice1961]

I could watch this all day!

[@411poultry]

Ok, I'm impressed. I can't tell the difference!

[@wrapdump]

This was a YT recommendation when watching the intro for Swat Kats, which is a 90s cartoon about two cats that fly a fighter jet to fight crime. YT knows me too well. Subbed.

[@BADALICE]

That was great. Even the Sigmond song. Right to the point as well. I really appreciate that.

[@fambez]

aaah old timey test equipment.makes this old electrical eng drool. Nice vid man.

[@stevenspaziani9159]

That was very crafty, and I thought you're castings were spot on.

[@richardgoebel226]

That is some very much needed information. Lots of vintage electronic equipment out there needing replacement knobs. Thanks for sharing!

[@ejkoford5303]

Dude works with resin and drill press and has the most perfect nails I've ever seen. Hows that possible?

[@fmh357]

That is so clever. Especially sanding down the wooden dowel and installing it for the flat. I learned a few things today. Thank you.

[@joeemenaker]

Nice shout-out to Sid & Marty Croft. _That's_ the inside joke most people are going to miss.

[@jeremythelander5024]

Wow. That casting was spot on. Nice work.

[@Karlos-bh9zk]

Hi there. New subscriber from the UK. Something therapeutic about watching content like this. Great job mate.

[@filmmakerdude]

i wasnt really interested in this particular project but I watched it cos your style is fun & entertaining, well done

[@jack002tuber]

Very impressive. I could not tell the new from the old.

[@MrTriple3]

I have no idea how I ended up here, but I'm glad I did! Great video.

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

‘ Like surgery on a jellyfish ‘.Priceless. 👍👏😀

[@PedroFaria]

Dude!! Your muppets impersonation rocks!! I get my time quoting old movies and my friends never get it! hehehe

[@Todd82TA]

That is friggin' amazing how well those knobs came out!